48. Chronixx, 'Chronology'

With this mighty, roots-minded debut LP, the 25-year-old from Spanish Town, Jamaica, has spearheaded a reggae revival that's more than merely retro. Grounded in the post-Marley golden era – think Barrington Levy, Aswad, Gregory Isaacs and Yellowman, who Chronixx shouts out on "Likes" – the man brings Rasta-informed wisdom and conscious vibes into a new century, with vintage dub grooves ("Big Bad Sound") and modern pop-R&B sonics ("I Can") rocking the dancehall side-by-side. The most promising reggae ambassador in a generation, Chronixx is here just when the need for healing music has never been greater. W.H.